Saturday, January 1 2005 19:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Government has decided to 'adopt' all the children who lost their parents in the recent Tsunami that hit at least 13 coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, claiming several thousands of lives.

New homes to shelter at least 100 children in each place would be opened in Nagapattinam, Kanniyakumari and Cuddalore where already Government-run homes were functioning, Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, said in a statement in Chennai.

"The opening of three new homes will ensure that no children is left in the lurch and special provisions will be made in these homes especially for the kids. Ayahs will be appointed to take care of them. Playing materials and special medical facilities will also be part of such new homes," Jayalalithaa said.

Welcoming the decision of some private individuals and non-governmental organisations to adopt such orphaned children, Jayalalithaa said certain rules and regulations would have to be followed before giving them for adoption. The social welfare department would assist such people.

Recalling her recent announcement that Rs one lakh would also be paid to families of each dead child, she said the Government had now decided to put this amount in fixed deposits in the name of such children.

"The amount will be paid to the family upon the child attaining 18 years of age as this will ensure a bright future for their lives," the Chief Minister pointed out.

She also announced that 'Counsellors' in social welfare department would immediately be sent to counsel the Tsunami affected parents who now remained 'depressed'. If voluntary and NGO set-ups came forward to undertake such job, the Government would be too willing to help them.